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Numbers 26:10 - Divine justice swallows rebellion.

Numbers 26:10 - במדבר 26:10

Hebrew Text

וַתִּפְתַּח הָאָרֶץ אֶת־פִּיהָ וַתִּבְלַע אֹתָם וְאֶת־קֹרַח בְּמוֹת הָעֵדָה בַּאֲכֹל הָאֵשׁ אֵת חֲמִשִּׁים וּמָאתַיִם אִישׁ וַיִּהְיוּ לְנֵס׃

English Translation

and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Qoraĥ, when that company died, at which time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Transliteration

Vatiftach ha'aretz et-piha vativla otam ve'et-korach b'mot ha'edah ba'achol ha'esh et chamishim u'matayim ish vayihyu lenes.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּפְתַּ֨ח הָאָ֜רֶץ אֶת־פִּ֗יהָ וַתִּבְלַ֥ע אֹתָ֛ם וְאֶת־קֹ֖רַח בְּמ֣וֹת הָעֵדָ֑ה בַּאֲכֹ֣ל הָאֵ֗שׁ אֵ֣ת חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים וּמָאתַ֙יִם֙ אִ֔ישׁ וַיִּהְי֖וּ לְנֵֽס׃
וַתִּפְתַּ֨ח הָאָ֜רֶץ אֶת־פִּ֗יהָ וַתִּבְלַ֥ע אֹתָ֛ם וְאֶת־קֹ֖רַח בְּמ֣וֹת הָעֵדָ֑ה בַּאֲכֹ֣ל הָאֵ֗שׁ אֵ֣ת חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים וּמָאתַ֙יִם֙ אִ֔ישׁ וַיִּהְי֖וּ לְנֵֽס׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Earth Swallowing Korach and His Assembly

The verse describes the miraculous punishment of Korach and his followers, where the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive. Rashi (Bamidbar 16:32) explains that this was a unique and unprecedented miracle, demonstrating Hashem's direct intervention to punish those who rebelled against Moshe and Aharon. The earth "opening its mouth" signifies that even inanimate creation obeys Hashem's will, unlike Korach, who defied divine authority.

The Significance of the Fire Consuming the 250 Men

The verse mentions that a fire consumed 250 men who offered unauthorized ketoret (incense). Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 5:6) cites this incident as a warning against unauthorized service in the Mishkan. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:20) teaches that these men were consumed by a heavenly fire that emerged from the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the severity of their sin in attempting to usurp the Kehunah (priesthood).

The Purpose of the Miracle as a "Sign" (Nes)

The verse concludes that this event became a "nes" (sign). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that this served as an eternal warning against machlokes (dispute) and rebellion against Torah leadership. The Ramban (Bamidbar 16:29) adds that such open miracles were necessary in the wilderness to establish Moshe's authority as Hashem's true prophet.

  • Korach's Punishment: Swallowed alive to demonstrate that his claim to leadership was invalid (Ibn Ezra).
  • 250 Men: Punished by fire since they improperly sought the priestly role of offering ketoret (Sforno).
  • Eternal Lesson: The Mishnah (Avos 5:17) cites Korach's dispute as the prototype of a disagreement not for Heaven's sake.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the punishment of Korach and his followers, illustrating the severity of their rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
📖 Bava Batra 74a
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about miraculous events in the Torah, including the earth swallowing Korach and his assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Korach and his followers in Numbers 26:10?
A: In Numbers 26:10, the earth miraculously opened and swallowed Korach and his followers as punishment for their rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). This was a divine act showing the seriousness of challenging Torah leadership (Rashi on Numbers 16:30).
Q: Why did Hashem punish Korach so severely?
A: Korach's punishment was severe because he publicly challenged Moshe's divinely appointed leadership, which threatened the unity of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 5) teaches that disputes not for Heaven's sake, like Korach's, have destructive consequences.
Q: What does it mean that they 'became a sign' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains (on Numbers 26:10) that their fate became a lasting warning against rebellion and machlokes (baseless disputes). The Mishnah (Avos 5:17) cites Korach's dispute as the prime example of an argument not for Heaven's sake.
Q: How does the story of Korach apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1-3) derives from Korach's story the importance of avoiding disputes and respecting proper Torah leadership. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this incident warns us about the dangers of lashon hara (harmful speech) and public dissent.
Q: Why were some punished by fire and others by the earth swallowing them?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that Korach's inner circle who instigated the rebellion were swallowed by the earth, while the 250 men who brought unauthorized incense offerings were consumed by fire. Each punishment matched their specific sin (Ramban on Numbers 16:29-30).